Antojitos' colorful facade lights up the night at CityWalk — Photo courtesy of A.D. Thompson
The ongoing expansion of Universal Orlando continues with the grand opening of Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, which brings more than 200 tequilas, a street-cart army of eats and a kaleidoscope of color – figuratively and literally – to the scene at Universal CityWalk.
The eatery’s house cocktail, the potent Antorita, is just the tip of the agave iceberg. A host of flavored options are available for less lime-inclined, while tequila flights will satisfy the aficionado's desire to sip and savor. Two bars – one upstairs, one down – offer seating for sampling both drinks and eats. Meanwhile, covered al fresco tables serve diners everything they can get inside with a bit more “street-side” ambiance.
Don't mind if we do! The Antorita is Antojitos' signature cocktail — Photo courtesy of A.D. Thompson
Even the most ardent outdoor-eats enthusiasts should have at least a peek inside, though. Antojitos is awash in folk art – from its Dia de los Muertos-inspired wall of skulls to its glass case of baby dolls, each done up with a canvas of tattoos. Some don the colorful guise of the lucha libre. Glance to the low overhang near the first-floor kitchen, and you’ll spy another of these Mexican wrestling masks, this one wrapped in bright, flowing neon around playful, comic-like graphics.
Though Antojitos is essentially a cantina divided – downstairs guests will enjoy a casual experience, while upstairs it leans more upscale – the menu focus for both is fresh, fresh, fresh. Open kitchens mean guests can watch preparation methods and custom guacamole made tableside ($13.95) makes for a literal execution of the fresh-made mantra.
Downstairs, Antojitos' vibe is casual. Upstairs, it leans upscale — Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
The first-floor menu includes an array of street tacos served in threes with house rice and black beans. Fillings range from what you might expect – adobo chicken, carne asada – to more exotic offerings like duck and tempura BBQ shrimp.
Also on tap: burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and an extensive assortnent of street fare-inspired appetizers. The esquites asados, for example, is an interesting amalgam of roasted corn, queso fresco, jalapeno, ancho chile and mayonnaise served with fresh tortilla chips for scooping. Go upstairs, and the menu tips from street to sophisticate: braised short ribs Jalisco, paella Mexicana, coffee-crusted ribeye and more are on offer.
Antojitos, its colorful façade nestled where the Latin Quarter nightclub used to be, is the latest addition in what will be Universal Orlando’s continuing new-restaurant rollout for CityWalk. If you’re curious about Antojitos, but that Express Pass is burning a hole in your pocket, pop by and grab a signature cocktail to go from the cute blue VW bus parked right out front.
